That's a possible approach that is effectively similar to simply ignoring non-aligned matched (the next if pos() % 4; stuff above), but the real saving would only be achieved by only calling out from the regex engine for aligned matches.

It seems like it ought to be possible to reposition the \G somewhere after the (?:.{$n}) to avoid the duplicates. But I've tried various places including:

And I cannot make it work. (The above silently matches nothing; v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y!).

And that is pretty much the kind of effect I seem to get every time I try to use \G. I conclude that I have just never managed to acquire a good mental model of what it actually does; despite years of trying on and off.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".

In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.